Miscellaneous Creditors’ RemediesCollection of Judgment Where Judgment Debtor Is Creditor of Public Entity
Section § 708.710
This section defines key terms used in the article. A "local public entity" includes all public entities except the state itself. A "public entity" encompasses the state, counties, cities, districts, and various public bodies within the state. The "state" specifically refers to California. A "state agency" is any state office or body whose financial claims are settled by the Controller.
Section § 708.720
This law outlines how money that a government agency owes to a person can be used to pay off that person's debts, known as a judgment. It specifies three ways this can happen: through this article, wage garnishment rules, or by a lien in a legal case. Importantly, salaries of public officers or employees can't be taken in this way unless specific rules say otherwise, following wage garnishment procedures. Also, if there's already a court case involving the government payment, this process won't apply, and a different method must be used to settle the debt as outlined in related legal rules.
Section § 708.730
This law outlines the process for collecting unpaid money owed to a person (judgment debtor) by a government entity when that person is also required to pay a debt (judgment). If someone wins a money judgment against the debtor, they can file paperwork with the entity that owes money to the debtor to collect what they’re owed. This includes claims involving child, spousal, or family support, particularly if the debtor has tax refunds or lottery winnings owed to them. Special procedures apply for cases involving support obligations, which may allow for direct involvement of child support agencies. Additionally, different rules are in place for filing affidavits when dealing with child support enforcement.
Section § 708.740
This law outlines the process for how a judgment creditor can collect money a state agency owes to a judgment debtor. If someone is owed money by a state agency and has a judgment, they can file the paperwork with the agency. The state agency must then inform the Controller about the situation. After deductions for any debts or advances the debtor has with the state, the Controller will deposit the required amount to satisfy the judgment into the court and pay any remaining funds to the debtor. Special rules apply if the debt involves child support or lottery winnings. If multiple claims exist, the Controller or Franchise Tax Board decides how to allocate funds. Claims related to child or family support are given specific attention. Smaller claims under ten dollars may not be processed.
Section § 708.750
If a local government (not a state agency) owes money to someone who lost a lawsuit (judgment debtor) but hasn't yet paid, the person who won the lawsuit (judgment creditor) can make a claim by filing certain documents with the government. The government official responsible will then ensure the money is paid to the court. If there's any money left after settling the court claim and reimbursing the government for any debts owed by the judgment debtor, that leftover money goes to the judgment debtor.
Section § 708.755
This law explains how someone who is owed money from a legal judgment can put a claim on someone else's lottery winnings that are paid yearly. To keep this claim active, the person owed money needs to file a statement with the lottery each year, starting with the second payment. This statement should say how much money is still owed and must be filed between 45 and 90 days before each annual payment. If the debt is renewed, they must also file proof of that renewal within the same time frame. If the person owed money doesn't do this each year, their claim on the lottery winnings will end. However, they can start a new process to enforce their claim as long as the debt is still legally valid.
Section § 708.760
This law deals with situations where a contractor working on a public project hasn't been fully paid and also owes money to other parties, known as judgment creditors. It says that when figuring out how much is still owed to the contractor, you must take into account payments already due to workers or suppliers (per specific Civil Code rules). Also, government officials responsible for paying contractors can only release funds for a claim against the contractor once the project is finished and once everyone else the contractor owes has been accounted for.
Section § 708.770
This law section outlines the process for notifying a judgment debtor when funds have been deposited in court by a public entity. It requires the debtor to file a claim of exemption if they want to argue that the funds should be protected. They must notify the court and the creditor promptly, and a hearing will be scheduled to decide on the claim. If the debtor doesn't act on time, they lose their right to claim an exemption. On the other side, if the creditor opposes the exemption, they must also file and serve notice. Special procedures apply when a state agency is involved, directing debtors to file with the district attorney in some cases. There are clear deadlines for all parties involved.
Section § 708.775
This law states that if someone who owes money (debtor) does not claim their right to keep certain funds protected from a judgment within the time allowed or has claimed an exemption and the court decides on it, the court will give the non-protected funds to the person owed money (creditor). Any remaining funds will go back to the debtor unless another law says something else must be done with the money.
Section § 708.780
This law explains how a debt someone owes from a court judgment can be collected from their income tax refunds or lottery winnings if they owe money, such as child or spousal support. First, a legal document is filed to create a lien on money owed by a public entity to the debtor. Then, if applicable, the affidavit affects claims for tax refunds the debtor requests within a year. If someone asks the court to issue a Notice of Support Arrearage, and no objections are raised, the court will proceed without a hearing. This notice allows for the deduction of the owed support from the debtor's tax refunds and lottery prizes, with the remaining balance returned to them after covering state-advanced amounts. The debtor can challenge this if they believe there are errors, such as incorrect arrearage amounts or if they aren't the correct debtor. Filing the Notice of Support Arrearage creates a lien lasting four years or until the debt is paid off. The law also requires parties to notify courts when the debt is settled. Some parts of this section were time-limited and became inoperative at the end of 2001.
Section § 708.785
When someone who is owed money by a court judgment (a judgment creditor) files a formal notice of that judgment, they must pay a fee of six dollars to the government agency where it's filed. The money collected from these fees is added to a fund that covers related collection activities.
Section § 708.790
If a public officer or employee doesn't perform a duty required by this article, they aren't responsible unless they have enough information on the judgment and an affidavit to reasonably identify the judgment debtor. The term 'office' here does not include any branch in a different city.
Section § 708.795
This law section states that, unless it's related to unpaid support judgments, you can't file a claim against any overpaid taxes, penalties, or interest under certain parts of the California Revenue and Taxation Code or the Unemployment Insurance Code.